Establish Your Morning Ritual
The practice and tradition of dinacharya (daily routine) is one of the most important and foundational teachings of Ayurveda. It is the basic layer and tool for developing longevity, wellness, and overall health. In Ayurveda, keeping routine and regular meal, exercise and work times, is emphasized and encouraged.
Adopting a daily routine is undoubtedly the most nourishing and grounding thing you can do for yourself. Keeping this in mind, no single routine is right for everyone, and a level of self-awareness, attention and intuition can guide you to better understand what you need to feel nourished. The beauty of dinacharya, is that it is uniquely specific to you and has the ability to transform your life.
If you take some time to observe nature, you will begin to notice that almost all creatures are engaged and part of some form of consistent daily routine. at large, the natural world is heavily influenced by the cadence of nature. For example, the rising and setting of the sun, the cyclical nature of each season, and the subtle shifts that are rhythmically occurring in this universe. While there is often some level of variation throughout each seasons, many plants and animals adopt a predictable daily routine and religiously live by it.
Creating a personal daily routine is also a way to offer yourself a ritual of love and nurturing, rather than waiting until depletion and fatigue. Committing to a daily practice has the power to transform your relationship to yourself and well-being in a very short period of time.
Create a routine that is manageable for your schedule and lifestyle.
Its easy to get excited and pile on too much too soon. There are many rituals that are simple and won’t dramatically impact your day, however, there are some practices that are more time consuming and require a greater commitment. When you first create your routine, it is important to look at your schedule and lifestyle and from there, facilitate a sense of predictability into your day. Remember to consider how the goal is to invite more grounding and peace into your life, not stress or anxiety.
Start with incorporating one new commitment at a time, as to not overwhelm yourself with wanting to have a “perfect” routine. You may want to include many new rituals into your day because it sounds nourishing or like something you’d like to pursue. It very important to remember to stay steady and joyful during any adjustments. When the mind desires too much and you overload the psychological balance, you are more likely to have a poor or unhealthy experience.
How and where would you begin to build your daily routine?
Rise Between 3-6am
Traditionally, Ayurveda teachings recommend that you rise between 3-6am during the ambrosial hours. These early morning hours are infused with clarity, lightness and are a gentle way to reawaken the body. If you are reading this and thinking “I could never do that, I don’t get up until 9!”, then you need to remember that you don’t have to rise during this time tomorrow. Allow yourself to gradually transition so your body can adapt. Most importantly, try to wake up at the same time every day to establish routine. It is not necessary to rise early for children, elderly, sick, or pregnant individuals.
Elimination.
Morning elimination is crucial for maintaining a strong and healthy agni (digestive fire). If you don’t eliminate first thing in the morning, maybe try eating dinner earlier and starting the day with warm water. Triphala and ginger consumed daily, can also support regular elimination.
Oral Detox Routine
Tongue scraping and brushing your teeth first thing in the morning is an essential practice in Ayurveda. Tongue scraping removes bacteria and toxins that have been accumulated through the night, from the surface of your tongue. While most people brush their teeth every morning, Ayurveda recommends to brush your teeth with bitter, astringent or pungent herbs. Some herbs include neem, amalaki, or charcoal.
Drink Warm Water
Drinking a glass of warm water after cleaning the mouth is an excellent way to naturally detoxify, stimulate and activate the digestive tract. It is also a way to hydrate your tissues, organs, and promotes regular elimination. Drinking warm water is also very balancing for those who suffer from sluggishness, constipation, or excess kapha dosha.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an extremely cleansing practice that supports strong teeth, gums, jaw and voice as well as enhancing your sense of taste. Most Ayurvedic pulling oil is made from coconut oil and bitter herbs, but you can find a pulling oil of choice. Swoosh and gargle between 1-2 minutes or as long as you like.
Eye Cleansing
The eyes are associated with pitta dosha and build up a lot of heat throughout the day. It is important to cool them down by splashing cold water into them in the morning. Not only does this soothe the eyes and vision, it will also help you be more alert in the morning.
Meditation, Pranayama or Prayer
The climax or main purpose to a morning practice is to prepare the physical body for meditation, prayer or stillness. This is perhaps the most important part of the morning ritual, as it helps calm the nervous system, and help you stay present and grounded throughout your day.
Movement/Exercise
Movement is the portal from the body to the mind. Find time top exercise based on your needs. This could be yoga, running, walking, or any movement that brings you joy. it is extremely detyoxifying for the organs and joints, and helps move stagnant energy and circulation throughout the body. It is important to try to exercise between 6am-10am or 6pm-10pm because of kaphas stabilizing dominant energy during those hours.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga - a warm oil massage - is received as a sacred and relaxing healing treatment, known for its many infused herbs and medicinal oils. The intention of Abhyanga is to import Prana (life force), balance, and rejuvenation not only to the physical body, but also to the subtle energetic, mind and bliss bodies. Ayurveda teaches us that sacred ritual hold power in the larger field of energy and intelligence that is the universe. Each morning before your shower or bath, practice abhyanga to experience the benefits. Massage the ears, feet, head, and nasal passages as well as the rest of the body.
Breakfast
Eating breakfast at the same time every day is very important. Ensure you have anough time to sit down and eat mindfully. It’s essential to take a moment of gratitude or silence before eating because it helps heighten awareness of your experience and allows your body to process the food you are consuming with more ease and intention. Eat seasonally for your appropriate constitution.
Concluding this article, you might feel like this is a lot of information and have no clue where to begin… thats okay! You don’t need to do everything at once. I encourage you to begin with just ONE. Choose a daily practice that calls to you and that seems manageable for your lifestyle. Then, begin with the intention of adopting this ritual 3-4 days a week. Once you feel good, make it 7 days a week. If you forget or fall off track, simply start again. This is not a challenge or competition. It is a daily practice towards loving yourself, nurturing your body, mind, and spirit.
